There are some common Alabama facts that you may already know, like that it was the 22nd state to join the Union way back in 1819. However, this Southern state is full of surprises. Keep reading to learn some fascinating facts about Alabama!
6 Alabama Facts
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- Alabama is home to many legendary athletes including baseball players Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. (source) Other impressive athletes born in Alabama include Bo Jackson and Charles Barkley.
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- The first Mardi Gras celebrated in the United States was held in Mobile, AL. (source) Most people associate Mari Gras, the raucous party day also known as “Fat Tuesday,” with New Orleans. However, it may be surprising that the first Mardi Gras in the U.S. was actually held in Mobile in 1699!
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- Cullman, AL has the lowest property taxes in the United States. (source) The median property taxes in Cullman are just $372. The highest property taxes in the country are in the New York City area, where the median property taxes are $9,091.
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- Alabama is home to nine national parks. (source) This includes the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1965 Voting Rights March led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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- Alabama is home to the world’s first electric trolley system. (source) The Capital City Street Railway system debuted in 1886 in Montgomery, making it the first citywide system of streetcars.
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- A rocket developed in Huntsville, AL helped put men on the moon. (source) Huntsville is known as the “Rocket City” because the rocket built at the Marshall Space Flight Center helped get Apollo 11 to the moon.
What other interesting facts about the state of Alabama do you know?
